Driving Cost from Bloomington, Illinois to Decatur, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington, Illinois and Decatur, Illinois: A Guide to the Best Route

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, it's important to know the cost of travel between popular destinations. One such route is the trip between Bloomington and Decatur, Illinois. There are several routes to take, each with its own distance and cost. In this article, we'll explore each route, highlight its cost and distance, and recommend the best option.

Route 1: IL-48 S

The most direct route between Bloomington and Decatur is taking IL-48 S. This route will take drivers approximately 47 minutes to cover the 38.5-mile distance. In terms of gas expense, at the current national average gas price of $2.87 per gallon, this route would cost approximately $4.25 in fuel.

Pros

  • The most direct route
  • Shortest distance and travel time

Cons

  • Limited scenery
  • High traffic during peak hours

Route 2: US-51 S and IL-121 S

Another option for traveling from Bloomington to Decatur is taking US-51 S and IL-121 S. This longer route spans approximately 63.4 miles and takes around 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete. At the current national average gas price, it would cost around $5.68 in fuel to complete this route.

Pros

  • A scenic route with beautiful countryside views
  • Lesser traffic compared to IL-48 S

Cons

  • Longer distance and time needed to complete

Route 3: I-74 W and US-51 S

A third option for traveling between Bloomington and Decatur is taking I-74 W and US-51 S. This route is the longest of the three, spanning approximately 67 miles and taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. In terms of fuel expense, it would cost around $6.20 at the current national average gas price.

Pros

  • Connects with the I-74 highway for a smoother and faster ride
  • Avoids high-traffic areas

Cons

  • Longest distance and travel time

Best Route Recommendation

The most efficient route to take from Bloomington, Illinois, to Decatur, Illinois, is IL-48 S. This route is the most direct, has the shortest distance, and is the quickest option, making it the most cost-effective option. Using this route, drivers could save up to $2 on gas, compared to Route 2, and up to $2.95 on gas, compared to Route 3. However, if drivers have extra time and want to take in scenic views, Route 2 is a close second-best option.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Bloomington and Decatur, Illinois, varies depending on the route chosen. With current gas prices averaged at $2.87 per gallon, Route 1 (IL-48 S) is the best option, costing approximately $4.25 in fuel and taking around 47 minutes to complete. Route 2 (US-51 S and IL-121 S) is a scenic, lengthier option that costs around $5.68 in fuel and takes around 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, while Route 3 (I-74 W and US-51 S) is the longest, costing approximately $6.20 in fuel and taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. Ultimately, drivers should consider the time it takes to complete each route and its distance before making a decision.